Ovarian cancer symptoms

[Prevention65]

Hello,

I am 44 yrs (no signs of menopause) have a complex cyst less than 4 cm on Right ovary and it appears complex on US. (with debris and septations)

Symptoms:
I had intense pelvic/abdomen pain 2 mos back and stupidly did nothing about it until last week, when i also started getting low back pain. GYN says looks on US like Hemorrhagic cyst, will watch for 2 cycles and remove cyst if not resolved. Since US last week, I have also developed LEFT leg pain and tingling in hands and legs that is persistent. Also there is thigh pain; could all these be caused by the RIGHT cyst?

Leg pain is also an ovarian cancer symptom according to this site:

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/ovary/page5

Since many of the ovarian cyst symptoms are similar to the ovarian cancer symptoms, I am confused whether i should wait for 4 more weeks for repeat US.  I already had left ovary removed due to a large dermoid and would like to not go to early menopause by loosing the right ovary; which i am afraid may happen when Dr goes to remove cyst.

GYN says CA 125 is not useful for detection; but online resources say CA 125 + HE4 is great for early cancer detection. Quest labs offers both; but the results are to be analyzed with  ROMA (Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm) to classify risk status. Does anyone have experience with this; has this been FDA approved.

This is my first post sorry for asking so many questions, i am going crazy.

Thank you - you are all brave and courageous women, I am humbled by your strength in the adversity you are facing or have faced.

[Morrowville]

Hi Trudie, and to all the ladies on the forum!
I haven't posted in ages, but wanted you to know I am now 1 1/2 years post complete hyst.  and suggesting the site to a friend going through a similar situation.

Trudie, It's so nice you are on here and able to moderate, God Bless you!

I am well, and hope everyone is "right where they are supposed to be".
Drop me a line is you have a moment, and let me know how things are for you!

God Bless,
Morrowville (Donna)

[Jennyrose]

Tough one. I also waited when I felt pain, but I waited about 8 months. Yeah, stupid. Has the doctor said how large the cyst is? I think over 5 cm and they want to remove it anyway. But they can go away also, so maybe watch and wait is ok. Your doctor is right to be cautious since it is your remaining ovary. It is not fun to lose both. By the time I had surgery, the doc could only save 1/3 of one ovary and I hope it is enough to keep working until I hit menopause on my own. Ask a lot of questions and if your doctor does not seem to be sympathetic, then seek a second opinion.

[TrudieC]

I'm not sure how it works for you as I am in Canada.  I cannot go to a gyn/onc without a referral.  If a referral is required likely another ultrasound will need to be done but perhaps not if you still have your symptoms.  If not then go directly or at the very least to another gyn.

[Prevention65]

Thank you for your reply.

It has been 10 days since last US and i just finished a period. Should i get a new US now and have that evaluated by another GYN? Or should i go straight to a GYN/ONC?

Thanks again.

[TrudieC]

With cysts you can get referred pain to the other side of your abdomen but I wouldn't think that applies to the other leg.  It is possible that this pain is from something else or perhaps a fibroid or an ovarian remnant stayed on the left and now has a cyst.  Yes, the symptoms for cysts and ovarian cancer can be quite similar.  

The CA 125 is quite unreliable, especially in pre-menopausal women.  However, it can give some insight but definitely not a true indicator.  I think it is time to get a second opinion and insist they rule out ovarian cancer.  Since you've had these issues for a few months already it is doubtful this thing is going to resolve itself and early treatment is necessary in such case that this could be malignant.